Disney Plus, the beloved streaming platform known for its extensive catalogue that ranges from enchanting Disney classics to the adrenaline-pumping Star Wars saga and the heart-warming tales of The Bear, is about to change how users share their accounts. In a move that’s bound to ruffle some feathers, the entertainment giant is gearing up to implement a strict crackdown on password sharing, signalling a significant shift in how subscribers can access and share their Disney Plus content.
Gone are the days when you could casually share your Disney Plus login details with friends and extended family, allowing them to dive into the vast world of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and more, all on your dime. Starting in June, Disney Plus is set to launch what CEO Bob Iger described as the company’s “first real foray into password sharing,” a statement that has left many subscribers pondering the future of their shared accounts.
According to Disney Plus’ terms of service, a subscription is intended for use within a single ‘household’, implying that the service is designed to be enjoyed by individuals living under the same roof. However, the widespread practice of password sharing has extended access far beyond these bounds, leading to multiple households enjoying the service through a single subscription. This, Disney Plus argues, dilutes the value of their offering and impacts the platform’s profitability.
With the crackdown, Disney Plus aims to tighten the reins on account sharing, proposing a model where subscribers will need to pay an additional fee to add users outside their immediate household. While the exact cost for these “extra user slots” has not been disclosed, industry watchers speculate that the pricing could mirror Netflix’s approach, which charges an additional £4.99 a month for each extra member.
This strategic pivot is not just about enforcing rules; it’s a calculated effort to bolster subscriber numbers and, in turn, profitability. Netflix’s recent experience serves as a case study: their crackdown on password sharing led to a significant surge in new subscribers, with an estimated 13 million joining by the end of 2023.
Disney Plus has indicated that the initial phase of this new policy will commence in June across select countries, with a full rollout expected by September. This phased approach suggests that the company is keen on gauging subscriber response and potentially adjusting their strategy based on feedback and operational insights.
For those pondering their options, Disney Plus offers three subscription tiers:
Standard with ads: £4.99/month
Standard without ads: £7.99/month or £79.90/year
Premium: £10.99/month or £109.90/year
The impending changes pose a pivotal moment for Disney Plus subscribers, prompting a reassessment of how we access and share digital content. As the landscape of digital streaming continues to evolve, it’s clear that the days of free-flowing password sharing may be drawing to a close, ushering in a new era of regulated access that ensures content creators and platforms receive fair compensation for their offerings.
